Arsenal winger Alex Iwobi has spoken out about how things have changed at the club since Unai Emery took over from Arsene Wenger in 2018.
Iwobi was brought up through the North London club’s youth academy during Arsene Wenger’s 20+ year tenure at the club. The Nigerian international, aged 22 has seen regular playing time under Unai Emery and is well-equipped to observe the transition from Wenger to Emery after being at the club so long.
On how this season is different from last season, Iwobi said(as per Sun):
‘There is a lot more fight in us this season. There is a lot more intensity. So even though it’s been up and down this season, there are a lot more pros than maybe the previous one.’
As well as appearing cautiously optimistic about the Gunners’ season, the winger was quick to defend teammate Mesut Ozil who has become a regular scapegoat for fans and pundits alike. The player said:
“Fans sometimes don’t appreciate what he gives to the team. I don’t know the stats but with Mesut in the team you are always going to get at least three chances a game from him.”
“He always provides an excellent pass or something, a good move or play that leads to a goal, or almost leads to a goal. Mesut is a great player and he also works hard off the ball.”
Although the German playmaker has defendants, like Iwobi in the Arsenal squad, Ozil has been highly inconsistent over the years. Even over the past few games, the German has been frustrating fans with his game. He will need to up his game in this final stretch of the season, starting with Watford.
The game itself is extremely important for Arsenal’s season and could dictate whether the Gunners finish in the top 4 or not. Watford who have been in excellent form showed by their recent qualification for the FA cup final.
Ozil is clearly an excellent player for Arsenal. In his time in North London, he has scored 31 goals and grabbed 52 assists in 162 appearances.
However, on a reported £350,000-a-week wage, the midfielder is Gunners highest paid player ever in history, and maybe critics are right to question the 30-year-old’s inconsistent performances.
